Location: Lake Geneva
Top Things to do in Lake Geneva
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Lake Geneva That You Shouldn't Miss
Take a long deep breath and kiss your stresses good-bye: this lovely, year-round resort town offers a laid-back atmosphere that lets you slowly unwind. Beach buffs can don their swimsuits and head for one of several beaches on seven-mile-long Geneva Lake, which also offers a plethora of water sports. Leisurely cruises on restored historic yachts and replicas of paddle wheel steamers carry passengers past stately lakefront summer mansions, including some Victorian estates. Landlubbers can take a self-guided hike around the perimeter of the lake, which stretches some 21 miles. Laid-back, however, doesn't mean there isn't plenty to do. Choose from museums, a water park for younger kids, the world's largest refracting telescope at Yerkes Observatory, entertainment at the Belfry Music Theatre or greyhound racing. Winter is even quieter but no less filled with fun. Head to The Mountain Top, a popular family ski spot, or choose from horseback riding, skating, ice boating, hayrides or sleigh rides. Whatever time of year you go, Lake Geneva will charm you.
Restaurants in Lake Geneva
1. Tristan Crist Magic Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 837 reviews
The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre features world-class magic, comedy and illusions in an entertaining 60 minute performance. Located in beautiful Lake Geneva, WI. Open year-round, reserve your tickets today to witness this incredible show.
Reviewed By gabrielew994
Me and my daughters first magic show.We loved the whole show,I highly recommend going,it is so worth it and its only 1 mile from Lake Geneva.Great show!!I want to go again in the near future.
2. Lake Geneva Clue Room--Escape Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
Can You Escape? Lake Geneva Clue Room is an interactive game for groups of 2 to 10 people. You have 60 minutes to work together to solve the puzzles and challenges in order to make your escape. There are three different rooms available everyday--C&NW Railroad, Cold War Clash, and Al Capone. Great for families, bachelor/bachelorette parties, groups of friends out for the evening, or team buildi
Reviewed By jude19572018 - Crystal Lake, United States
You must stop into the Lake Geneva clue Room when you're up and Lake Geneva Wisconsin. The staff is great. What a fun experience either with your family or in our case it was a team building for our executives. They were mind twisters and not easy but it really pulled everybody together to try to figure it out. We had a lot of fun and I highly recommend it for your family or your company.
3. Lake Geneva Scooter Tours & Rentals
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Discovery breath taking views, rolling hills, rustic roads, and lakeside rides all while experiencing the joy of riding a scooter. Scooters are very lightweight and fully automatic so they are easy to ride. If you can ride a bicycle, you can ride a scooter. Go on your own adventure or join one of the tours and sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. You only need a regular drivers license to rent.
4. Geneva Lake Shore Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 741 reviews
This lovely 21-mile walking path, around Geneva Lake, takes pedestrians by impressive homes and quiet lakeside neighborhoods. A two-mile swath on the West End offers a manageable stroll, lovely views, and passes landmarks such as the Abbey Resort and Fontana Spa and popular local eateries like Chuck's.
Reviewed By Steamboat50 - Waukesha, United States
Walking around the entire lake has been on my bucket list for quite some time. Last weekend my girlfriend and I decided to do the walk. It was a beautiful September day, about 70 degrees. We started and 8:45am and finished the walk at 4:30. I was a little nervous as I was hearing anything from 22-28 miles around the lake from different people. Well I am happy to say that it is exactly 21.4 miles. At least that is what I got on my watch. We did it in 7 1/2 hours but we only took two bathroom stops and I will say we walked at a decent pace. The furthest I had ever walked prior to this was nine miles so I was a bit leery that I could even finish this. I am happy to say that it was a very enjoyable walk. It is mainly all flat with a few house steps in between. You are walking right by the water the majority of the walk. At one stretch you went on the road for a very short time. The views are incredible and my friend talked the entire time so the time went by fairly quick. I was afraid to stop for lunch and relax a bit but now that I know what it is like, I would probably stop for a nice lunch next times. There are supposed to be five bathrooms around the lake and we only came across three and used two of them. Make sure to have a good pair of walking shoes on or hiking boots. A good pair of socks is a good idea as well. Dress according to the weather and bring a small backpack with granola bars, fruit and water. Then again if you stop for lunch, you probably would not need that. I enjoyed it so much I am doing it again this weekend. It is a great challenge and an accomplishment to be proud of.
5. Geneva Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 466 reviews
Get this straight: The city is Lake Geneva, the lake is Geneva Lake. Hop aboard a classic yacht for a cruise around the second deepest lake in Wisconsin (135 feet deep and 21 miles around) which is the focal point of a popular resort area also known as "the Newport of the West."
Reviewed By GraysonCampbell - Chicago, United States
Lake Geneva is a quaint little european town located just north and outside of Chicago (in Wisconsin) and as the name suggest it is all about the lake here. There is not much to do here other than boating. No other MASS entertainment offered. So must love water and probably should plan to bring your own or pre-rent a boat to ensure you get one. There is a nice walking trail along the lake that passes through the back yards of people houses you cannot afford. For a small town there are lots of places to dine. One more thing, the lake-front is perhaps 90% filled with homes, so keep that in mind - there is limited space on Lake Geneva for enjoyment.
6. Geneva Lake Museum of History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By N4697UTjohnf
Terrific layout for a community museum. You will pleasantly surprised at all the attractions that are available. The museum highlights begin with an exhibit from 1831 and goes through the 1990s. Have you ever seen a real Stage Coach up close?, How about a one room schoolhouse? Do you know what a mail boat is? Look in the law office, why does a typewriter in there have a duplicate set of letters...Just fascinating. Children will enjoy because they can get up close and see. There are do docents available and more that eager to give you deeper insight to displays. The museum is located just in town, free parking. There is an admission charge that is very reasonable and has senior, military, student discounts. Easily spend 2 hours without even blinking. Would highly recommend if in the area.
7. Paradise Miniature Golf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Paradise Golf Park is an exciting, challenging, 18-hole miniature golf course developed on beautifully landscaped grounds with exquisite cascading waterfalls and is located just two blocks from downtown Lake Geneva.
Reviewed By WisTrippers - Wisconsin, United States
Throwback mini-golf course which is fantastic for younger kids, people without mad mini golf skills, or people that just want to get out for some relaxing fun. Course is nicely maintained and just challenging enough. The staff is very friendly and I feel like the prices were very reasonable. They have parking but it is not that long of a walk from downtown on a nice day.
8. Lake Geneva - Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By 276cats - Fond du Lac, United States
Lady working the visitors center was very friendly and helpful in helping us select possible places to see and things to do in the area. Great place to start your visit in Lake Geneva, mostly if you're a first time visitor as we are.
9. Safari Lake Geneva
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Back by popular demand, it's a social distancing safari where you can experience Safari Lake Geneva’s game reserves from the comfort of your own vehicle! Enhance your interaction with these amazing animals by purchasing a bucket of grain to feed them from your window or sunroof. Plus, you can drive through as many times as you like! There’s nothing like it in Chicagoland and you’ll soon discover why this is the place everyone is talking about! Online reservations.
Reviewed By M2160ZBkatherinec - Crystal Lake, United States
me and my bf took my son to the safari..it was our first time there..we enjoyed it alot..alot of the animals were sweet except for the ostrich and zebra..the lady wasn't kidding to watch out for the ostriches. We went around a few times until the feed was gone. More animals kept coming out each time. My son loved it so much we hope to come back again for the wagon ride if open next year. The lady at the front gate was very nice and helpful. Thanks so much for the 2 extra buckets, was very kind of u! I definitely recommend checking this place out.
10. Riviera Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 170 reviews
Public beach on Lake Geneva popular with swimmers, sunbathers, hikers and boaters.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Riviera Beach is a popular destination for children and teenagers during the summer. Located on Wrigley Drive in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, it is near the Geneva Lake Shore Path and the Riviera Ballroom and within walking distance of downtown Lake Geneva's restaurants and shops. It is a place to swim, relax and picnic. But the main attraction is the Riviera, a marina and mixed-use meeting hall on the shore of Lake Geneva, adjacent to Riviera Beach, that was built in 1932 to fill a need for a recreational facility in the fast rising resort town. The Italian Renaissance structure, located at 810 Wrigley Drive, was once described as "the most intact historic building associated with transportation in the Geneva Lake area" and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. From the 1930s to the 1950s, the ballroom hosts such renowned swing and jazz bandleaders as Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Lawrence Welk, Lionel Hampton, Xavier Cugat and Harry James. Vocalists who performed at the Riviera included Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Lena Horne,Peggy Lee and Mel Torme. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Riviera rebranded itself as a discotheque, attracting the Village People, Chaka Khan, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor and the Ritchie family. Today, it remains a popular site for concerts, corporate events, meetings, parties and special occasions.
